Seabrook Island Birders Latest Blogs
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Seabrook Island Birders Presents on September 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
From Beidler Forest to Barranquilla, Colombia: How Audubon is following the Prothonotary Warbler across the hemisphere Date: Monday September 29,…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill – Platalea ajajaLength: 32″; Wingspan: 50″; Weight: 52oz. The next time you see a Roseate Spoonbill, check out the…
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SIB Reports: State of the Birds
“Five years ago, most ornithologists had a general sense that birds were declining – more than 3 billion birds lost…
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Thoughts of a New Bird Watcher
Occasionally through the years I would look at what birds were doing for a few minutes and then go back…
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Update #3 – Red Knot Tracking (and Hurricane Erin)
We are happy to report that both of the Red Knots tracking over the Atlantic Ocean have successfully reached land! LP7…
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SIB Reports: Shorebird Identification
Do you find shorebirds challenging to identify? Even the best birder has trouble with this bird group! And just when…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Laughing Gull
Laughing Gull – Leucophaeus AtricillaLength: 16.5″; Wingspan: 40″; Weight: 11 oz. Swirling over beaches with strident calls and a distinctive, crisp black…
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Latest Update! Red Knot Tracking
We have big news on the tracking front with two birds (LN5 and LP7) flying over the open Atlantic Ocean,…
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Learning Together: Sit, Sip and See – Palmetto Lake
Thursday, August 21 @ 6:30pmLocation: The equestrian end of Palmetto LakeMax: 20Cost: Free for members; $10 donation to SIB for…
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A Birds Eye View: That Last Carolina Summer
That Last Carolina Summer by Karen White is a good summer read. The publisher’s description calls it A Gripping Southern…
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SIB Bird of the week – Red-eyed Vireo
This little 5.1 inch Red-eyed Vireo is a chunky vireo with a long, angular head, thick neck, and a strong,…
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Learning Together at Seabrook Island Golf Courses (Ocean Winds or Crooked Oaks)
Monday August 18, 2025 7:30 am – 9:30 am – Ocean Winds (NOTE EARLIER START TIME TO HELP WITH THE…
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SIB Reports: Storks and Corks
Audubon South Carolina’s Silver Bluff Sanctuary, near Aiken, SC, has managed stork feeding ponds that provide vital foraging and resting…
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SIB Bird of the Week – Wood Stork
Large, white Wood Storks wade through southeastern swamps and wetlands. It is a good flier, soaring on thermals with neck…
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SIB Reports: Fall Migration and Bird Cast
BirdCast Migration Dashboard is back online for fall migration. Starting Friday, August 1, the site will report daily, radar-based measurements…
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Red Knot Update!
Hello Red Knot fans! This spring, 27 Red Knots were fitted with satellite transmitters during two banding events: 14 birds…
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Did you Know: How Birds Deal with Summer Heat
As we all escape to our air conditioning to avoid the South Carolina heat in summer, what do birds do…
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SIB -BIRD OF THE WEEK -Tricolor Heron
The Tricolor Heron can range in size from 25-30″ (64-76 cm). W. 3’2 (97 cm). Dark blue upperparts contrast with…
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Cruise Birding – 11 European countries in 12 days!
On May 13, Ed and I departed for an 18-day trip to Europe! It was our first trip “across the…
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SIB Bird of the Week – Summer Tanager
If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of a flame-red bird flitting through the treetops in South Carolina’s warmer months, chances…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Painted Bunting
Painted Bunting – Passerina cirisLength: 5.5″; Wingspan: 8.75″; Weight: 0.54 oz. Without a doubt, this bird is one of the most beautiful…
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SIB – “Bird of the Week” – Marsh Wren
This little guy can be heard right now in all our marshes on Seabrook Island. They like to hang out…
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First Purple Martin Fledgling!
As many of you know, Seabrook Island Birders embarked on a new project this year – Purple Martin Landlords! After…
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‘SIB’s Article for the July Edition of “The Seabrooker”
In case you don’t receive it, or haven’t had a chance to read it yet, we hope you will enjoy…
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Join SIB: Sit, Sip, and See – Palmetto Lake
Tuesday, July 15 @ 7:00pmLocation: Picnic Table at the back of Palmetto Lake near the PlaygroundMax: 20Cost: Free for members;…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinal – Cardinalis cardinalisLength: 8.75″; Wingspan: 12″; Weight: 1.6 oz. We know many of our readers may be traveling and busy…
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Help Track the Red Knots!
On March 31st, Shorebird Stewards from Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island assisted SC DNR and Georgia DNR with banding Red…
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July 4th Challenge – find American Birds
Join SIB in celebrating our nation and its birds by searching for state birds and birds with states or America…
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“Bird of the Week” – Brown Pelican
Brown Pelican – Pelecanus occidentalisLength: 51″; Wingspan: 79″; Weight: 131.2 oz. Brown Pelicans are a very common site on Seabrook Island all…
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SIB Member Profile: Claudia Porter
Claudia Porter was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles. After graduating from Occidental College with a degree…
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Ask SIB: Where did all the birds go?
Question: Up until recently our feeders have been busy, with birds coming and going all day. Now we see only…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – American Oystercatcher
American Oystercatcher – Haematopus palliatusLength: 17.5″; Wingspan: 32″; Weight: 22.4 oz. The American Oystercatcher is a large, boldly patterned bird we…
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Welcome Summer and our Summer Birds
Happy Summer! Like us, many birds avoid the summer sun by limiting daytime activity. These birds will forage in the…
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SIB Explores: Carolina Bight Birding Center & Wings over Beaufort
If you find yourself in the Beaufort County area this September, you may want to consider a visit to the…
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Happy Father’s Day from SIB!
Today’s a big day for dads everywhere! Whether your plans include hanging out on the beach with family, grilling in…
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SIB Travels: Texas and Oklahoma
Members of Seabrook Island Birders love to travel to find birds. In fact, several members have some very exciting travel…
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SIB – “Bird of the Week” – Marsh Wren
This little guy can be heard right now in all our marshes on Seabrook Island. They like to hang out…
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2021/07/11 Welcome to American Oystercatcher Chicks DY & DZ
Our American Oystercatcher chicks have flown the Nesting Area! One of the oystercatcher parents was U5, a bird that has…
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2021/05/03 North Beach: New Nesting Area Signs and Nests!
Last Friday, coastal bird biologist Janet Thibault of SCDNR posted the yellow nesting area signs on North Beach and confirmed…
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Did you know? Amazing Hummingbird Facts
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are a familiar sight at our feeders. They quickly drop by for a drink, then they’re away like…
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SIB’s Article for the June Edition of “The Seabrooker”
In case you don’t receive it, or haven’t had a chance to read it yet, we hope you will enjoy…
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Join SIB: Beyond our Backyard – Kiawah River
Sunday, June 8, 2025 8:00am-11:00amLearning Together at Kiawah River Location: Meet at the “bridge” entering the property Max: 12 peopleCost None…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Clapper Rail
Clapper Rail – Rallus longirostrisLength: 14.5″; Wingspan: 19″; Weight: 10 oz. You may not be aware that hidden in dense…
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SIB Member Profile: Deanna Forsythe
Deanna Forsythe is originally from York, PA. She was a 6th grade teacher for 25 years beforeretiring to Seabrook Island…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Brown Thrasher
Brown Thrasher –Toxostoma rufum L 11.5” WS 13” WT 2.4 oz In the family of Mimidae, they are related to…
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Baby Bird Out of Nest
Have you ever found a baby bird on the ground and wondered what to do? Here are a few tips…
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We have Purple Martins!
We have Purple Martins! Seabrook Island Birders is excited to announce that a small colony of Purple Martins have discovered…
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SIB Bird of the Week – Summer Tanager
If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of a flame-red bird flitting through the treetops in South Carolina’s warmer months, chances…
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Happy Mother’s Day from SIB!
Being a mother is hard work. It comes with a unique set of challenges, but it also comes with great…
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SIB Reports: Help wanted siting Painted Buntings
The Town of Kiawah Island recently posted this: HELP WANTED!!!! Look out for Painted Buntings!Last summer, Town biologists, in collaborative…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker – Dryocopus pileatusLength: 15.7 – 19.3″; Wingspan: 26 – 29.5″; Weight: 8.8 – 12.3 oz. This bird is the largest…
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SIB Bird of the Week – Chuck-will’s Widow
The Chuck-will’s widow has mottled brown plumage with a buff throat. It features reddish-brown feathers lined with black, and its…
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SIB Member Profile: Shar and Alan Fink
Shar and Alan met at a group golf outing in 2019 and shortly thereafter began dating. They joined households in…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Great Egret
The Great Egret, is also known as the White Egret, Common Egret, Great White Egret or the Large Great Egret.…
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Happy Easter!
If Easter Eggs are on your mind today, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and complexity of real eggs.…
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SIB Reports: Stewards Help Spread the Word About Protecting Shorebirds
n case you missed this article in The Post and Courier, written by SIB member Jeff Dennis, we wanted to…
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SIB Reports: Tips to find Nesting Birds in Your Backyard
Have you ever wondered if you have nesting birds in your backyard? If you have a nestbox then you’ve probably…
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Join SIB: Global Big Day May 10
Saturday, May 10, 8:00 am – 8:30 pmGlobal Big Day – Learning Together at various locationsLocation:8:00 am – 10:30 am…
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Join SIB: Beyond Our Backyard at Beidler Forest
Thursday, May 1, 2025 7:30 am – 2:00 pm (Our walk starts at Beidler at 9:30a)Location: Meet at SI Real…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Northern Parula
Northern Parula – Setophaga americanaLength: 4.5″; Wingspan: 7″; Weight: 0.3 oz. Northern Parulas are tiny, dainty birds and one of North…
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New Experiences at Ocean Winds
Spring has sprung on Seabrook Island and at the Rookery on the Ocean Winds golf course. Every Spring, the Rookery,…
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Ask SIB – Why do so many birds have white bellies?
If you pay close attention, you will see this general color pattern in not just birds, but in a wide…
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A Bird’s Eye View: Slow Birding
If you have an Amazon Alexa device, you already know Alexa is good at suggesting items for you to buy…
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SIB – What’s your state bird?
State birds are chosen as symbols to represent the natural heritage and culture of each U.S. state. They are often…
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SIB Bird of the Week – Hermit Thrush
Hermit Thrushes are part of a genus (Catharus )that includes four other similar thrushes in North America: the Veery, Swainson’s…
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Bird of the week-Meet the Yellow-throated Warbler
The Yellow-throated Warbler, Setophaga Dominica, is a common warbler in this area year round and breeds west to Texas and…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Red Knot
Red Knot – Calidris canutusLength: 10.5″; Wingspan: 23″; Weight: 4.7 oz. One of the most exciting visitors to our beach March-May are the…
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SIB Member Profile: Bob & Eileen Mercer
Silver Lake Park is a 465 acre wildlife and recreational property in Bucks County, PA. Bucks County is north of…
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Birds Eye View: eBird – What is it? And how does it work?
Do you use eBird? Maybe you’ve heard of it, but you’re not really sure how to use it. Most bird…
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A Birds Eye View: Birding for Boomers
Birding for Boomers: And Everyone Else Brave Enough to Embrace the World’s Most Rewarding and Frustrating Activity is a book…
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Birds on Seabrook Island Year-round: Birds we love to hate
At the beginning of each season, we’ve briefly discussed birds arriving for that season. Many of our favorite birds are…
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Update: SIB made 2024 a “Big Year”!
At the end of 2022, we challenged our members to make 2023 a “Big Year”. A copy of that original…
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Avian Influenza and Bird Feeders
Avian Influenza, or bird flu as it’s commonly called, has been a concern since 2022. With recent outbreaks in poultry…
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Great Backyard Bird Count: SIB recap
Seabrook Island Birders (SIB) had a good weekend participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The February 14 through…
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Sea Islands Christmas Bird Count Totals 2024-2025
On January 3, 2025 the 14th Sea Island Christmas Bird Count (SICBC) commenced with 66 participants (including 9 backyard bird…
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Join SIB: Beyond our Backyard – Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Monday April 7 Time 9:30 am– 12:00 pm Trip to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage PreserveLocation: Meet at SI Real Estate Office…
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Join SIB for Backyard Birding at Marsh Haven
Backyard Birding at Marsh Haven Monday, March 24, 2025 at 8:30 am- 10:00 Backyard Birding at Marsh HavenLocation: 3032 Marsh HavenMax: …
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Bird of the Week … Northern Mockingbird
Well, not sure any of you guessed this, but our 3rd President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, had a…
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Welcome Spring and our newly arriving birds
The official first day of Spring 2025 is March 20. Meteorologists recognize the first day of spring on March 1…
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Join SIB: Learning Together at Palmetto Lake
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 8:00am-10:00amLocation: Meet at Equestrian end of Lake House parking lotMax: 12Cost: Free for 2025 members, $10…
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Join SIB: Beyond our Backyard at Magnolia Cemetery and Romney Street Site
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 — 9:30 am – 3:00 pmBirding at Magnolia Cemetery and Romney Street SiteLocation: Meet at Seabrook…
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Purple Martin Gourd Raising and Opening Ceremony
It’s February and you might have noticed a new structure at the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center! The new Purple Martin…
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Join SIB: Beyond our Backyard at Kiawah River
Sunday, March 09, 2025 8:00am-11:00amLearning Together at Kiawah RiverLocation: Meet at the “bridge” entering the propertyMax: 12 peopleCost None for…
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Join SIB: Learning Together – Jenkins Point
Friday, March 28, 2025 8:30 am – 10:30 amLocation: Meet at First Lagoon on left Cost: Free for…
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Join SIB: Learning Together on North Beach
Friday, April 18, 2025 – 9:00am – 11:00 amBirding at North BeachLocation: Meet at Boardwalk # 1 Parking lotMax: noneCost:…
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Join SIB: Learning Together on North Beach
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – 8:30am – 11:00 amBirding at North BeachLocation: Meet at Boardwalk # 1 Parking lotMax: noneCost:…
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Beyond our Backyard – Edisto Nature Trail and Hyde Park Rd
Sunday, April 13, 2025 6:30 am – 12:00 pmWalk starts at Edisto Nature Trail at 7:30am An optional (weather permitting)…
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Happy Valentine’s Day, Lovebirds!
Lovebirds. We’ve heard, and used, this term many times in our lives. But who are the real Lovebirds, where do…
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The Confusing American Goldfinch
Last year, one of my friends said to me, “I can’t wait for the goldfinches to come back, they’re my…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Pied-billed Grebe
Pied-billed Grebe – Podilymbus podicepsLength: 13″; Wingspan: 16″; Weight: 16 oz. There are seven species of Grebes, but only four are…
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Childhood Bird Memories
What are your first memories of birds and did those early memories shape your life in more ways than you…
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SIB “Bird of the week”-Brown-headed Cowbird
Brown-headed cowbirds are found in grasslands, woodland edges and residential areas. They are native to North America. They will roost along…
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SIB Reports: Falcons being used to discourage neighborhood birds
Everyone with bird feeders at sometime complains about certain birds that seem to keep others away from the feeders. The…
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SIB Reports: Average Peak Migration Dates
Who’s ready for spring? Warmer temperatures, longer days, and the excitement of spring migration! Well, exciting to a birder, anyway.…
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SIB “Bird of the Week” – Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle – Haliaeetus leucocephalusLength: 31″; Wingspan: 80″; Weight: 152 oz. Seabrook Island residents have a special bond with the Bald…
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Presentation of Live Owls
CANCELED Due to hazardous weather, road conditions, and cancellations, we are canceling the Birds of Prey program for Friday, January…
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Our feathered friends and snow!
Apparently the birds heard the National Weather Service’s advisory of a Winter Storm Warning and Cold Weather Advisory. On Tuesday,…
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Christmas Bird Count – January 2025
If you noticed birders out and about around the island with their binoculars and cameras on Friday, January 3rd, you…
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Why You Should Become a Shorebird Steward Like Me
By Deanna Forsythe During my 30 years of teaching elementary students, one of my favorite subjects to teach was science.…
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Trivia: What is a collective of birds called?
Birders have many words not often found in common English conversations. A trick trivia question could be “What is a…